Cleaning's Role In LEED

If facility management decides to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance, then green cleaning will be involved. Under current LEED standards, a green cleaning program is a requirement for certification. Cleaning personnel will need to purchase and use green general-purpose chemicals, floor-care chemicals, paper towels, napkins, tissue paper and hand soaps that meets Green Seal, Ecologo or Environmental Protection Agency standards. Vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors must be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute. Other floor care equipment must operate at 70 decibels or lower and be ergonomically designed to reduce user fatigue. Matting in entryways must be at least 10 feet long to capture ample amounts of dirt. Cleaning personnel will also need to show they are properly handling and storing cleaning chemicals and also have a plan in place in case of a spill or accident. A program that promotes proper hand hygiene including the use of hand sanitizers must also be implemented. To verify the appearance of clean in the facility, an audit will be conducted in accordance with APPA’s “Custodial Staffing Guidelines.” These guidelines adhere to green cleaning credits available. Cleaning professionals can also help earn points for waste management, pest control and landscaping services.